When Beethoven's First Symphony was premiered on April 2 1800, the audience was baffled by the audacity of its composer. Although the work seems, to late 20th century ears, to be little different from the late symphonies of Mozart and especially Haydn. The very opening bars gave notice to the musical world that here was a composer to be watched. Now the first movement has been arranged for full brass band, making the perfect alternative to an overture at a concert.